Coming early next year for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC, Split/Second is, as Crecente observed, a melding of Death Race and Burnout, crafted by Pure developer Black Rock Studio. Players race through a made-for-TV built with destruction in mind, with the ultimate goal of becoming the season champion of a reality television show. As well as knocking opponents off the track, racers will be able to strategically alter the race's route by triggering huge explosive events.

"We're creating huge memorable moments on par with the biggest blockbuster action films," said Nick Baynes, game director, Black Rock Studio. "Action racing has captured the imagination of video game fans worldwide and we're going to redefine that experience with Split/Second."

Sounds like a game that could capture the hardcore Burnout fans who've jumped ship due to Burnout Paradise's change in direction.